India rolls out locally made AK-203 Sher rifle to replace INSAS, advancing weapons self-reliance

India has introduced the AK-203 Sher assault rifle, produced under license from Russia, as a replacement for the problematic INSAS service rifles. The move advances the 'Make in India' defense indigenization push, though the design remains Russian-origin, limiting the degree of true self-reliance. This signals a shift in India's small-arms procurement strategy and its continued defense partnership with Russia despite Western pressure.